Reflecting on History for a Brighter Future
This week’s Torah portion reminds us of the importance of remembrance, justice, and the moral responsibility to ensure that history’s tragedies are not forgotten. In particular, the story of the Exodus, as told in the Book of Exodus, emphasizes the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt—a foundational moment of freedom and survival. This ties to the observance of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a dark chapter where millions of innocent lives were stripped of their freedom and humanity.
In the Torah, we find repeated calls for remembering the suffering of the oppressed and the importance of teaching these lessons to future generations. This resonates deeply with the mission of Holocaust education and the need to remember the inhumane acts inflicted during the Holocaust, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten, and that humanity continues to work toward justice and tolerance.
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The Holocaust Memorial Museum’s “Liberation of Auschwitz” event, held during Texas Holocaust Education Week, will feature powerful survivor stories and provide an opportunity for reflection of those who endured unimaginable suffering. Hon. Kai Hennig, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, will also deliver remarks, highlighting the importance of acknowledging this dark chapter in history and emphasizing the shared responsibility of preventing such atrocities from ever happening again. His participation underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and collective action in combating hate, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are passed on to future generations. The Torah’s lessons of freedom, justice, and remembrance serve as a spiritual foundation for the observance of the Auschwitz liberation anniversary, encouraging us all to reflect, learn, and commit ourselves to a future where we honor the past and build a bridge to a brighter future.
We are STRONGER TOGETHER.
Leslie Davis Met
Director, Holocaust Memorial Museum San Antonio